Biden says US death toll rising in Israel, confirms Americans taken hostage
Fourteen Americans have been killed in the fighting in Israel, President Joe Biden announced Tuesday, and he confirmed more are among those being held hostage by Hamas terrorists.
"We now know that American citizens are among those being held by Hamas," Biden said. "I've directed my team to share intelligence and deploy additional experts from across the United States government to consult with and advise Israeli counterparts on hostage recovery efforts. Because as president, I have no higher priority than the safety of Americans being held hostage around the world."
Biden delivered remarks at the White House, which was lit up in blue and white on Monday evening in a show of support for Israel after Hamas launched a surprise air, sea, and land incursion over the weekend.
Israel has since declared a state of alert for war and has been sending retaliatory airstrikes to Gaza. The number of people killed on both sides is mounting.
"There are moments in this life, and I mean this literally when pure, unadulterated evil is unleashed on this world," Biden said angrily as he spoke in the State Dining Room flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. "The people of Israel lived through one such moment this weekend."
"The bloody hands of the terrorist organization Hamas, a group whose stated purpose for being is to kill Jews," Biden continued. "This was an act of sheer evil. More than 1,000 civilians were slaughtered, not just killed, in Israel. Among them, at least 14 American citizens were killed."
Source-ABC
Jada Pinkett Smith opens up on Oscars slap + separation from Will Smith in new book, Worthy
For nearly two years, Jada Pinkett Smith has held her silence about the infamous Oscars slap of March 2022, when her husband Will Smith walked onstage and smacked Chris Rock across the face in front of the entire world.
Now, in newly published excerpts of her memoir Worthy, she opens up about the viral moment, writing in the book that she didn't think what she was watching take place at the show, was real.
"I thought, 'This is a skit.,'" Jada said, according to an interview and portions of Worthy published by People. "I was like, 'There's no way that Will hit him.'"
She added, "It wasn't until Will started to walk back to his chair that I even realized it wasn't a skit."
Once alone after the show, the first thing she said to her husband was, "Are you okay?"
Although Jada was annoyed and unhappy by the joke Chris Rock made about her shaved head, as a result of the hair loss disease alopecia, the 52-year-old actress revealed she was "unclear" why Will became so upset — it's not like they were together at the time.
Still married, yes, but separated, she said.
"We had been living separate lives and were there as family, not as husband and wife," she wrote in the book. "But when I hear Will yell 'wife' in the chaos of the moment, an internal shift of Oh s*** ... I am his wife! happens instantly."
Jada wrote that in living through the incident she was reminded of her humble upbringing in the rough neighborhoods of Baltimore and that despite whatever had happened, or was about to take place, she was reminded, "Will and I are in this together."
Jada Pinkett's new memoir, Worthy, will be out on Tuesday, October 17.
Serena Williams to receive the CFDA Fashion Icon Award
Serena Williams will soon be honored by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. She'll be the first athlete to receive the 2023 Fashion Icon Award.
Presented by Amazon Fashion, Serena will be honored for her dedication to attending fashion school throughout her busy, title-winning tennis career. She launched S by Serena in 2018, a clothing line designed to "empower people to look and feel their absolute best," and in 2019, introduced her jewelry line with a similar mission.
"Ever since I was a little girl, I've used fashion as an outlet to express myself," Serena said in a statement. "Fashion gave me the confidence to step on the court and own who I was, and where I knew I was going."
She added of the award, "I am incredibly honored to be receiving the prestigious Fashion Icon Award from the CFDA, an organization whose work I have long admired and to stand among style icons I have always looked up to."
Serena will accept the CFDA Fashion Award during the ceremony and gala dinner at New York City's American Museum of Natural History on November 6.
Source-ABC
TURKS AND CAICOS WEATHER FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS FROM
- EASTERN TROPICAL ATLANTIC: A TROPICAL WAVE LOCATED SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES TO THE SOUTH-SOUTHEAST OF THE CABO VERDE ISLANDS IS SHOWING SOME SIGNS OF ORGANIZATION. CHANCE OF FORMATION THROUGH 7 DAYS…LOW…30 PERCENT.
Regional countries urged to implement EPA article 238
The Bahamas wants regional countries to implement article 238 of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU) that would allow for the same trade concession when trading between Caribbean Forum (CARIFORM) countries.
Director of Trade and Industry, Brickell Pinder, has told a visiting Jamaica Manufacturers Exporters Association (JMEA) trade mission, that the regional private sector should advocate for the implementation of EPA article, indicating that Nassau is taking steps to activate the measure in order to allow the ease of goods trading within the region.
“… That agreement not only establish a framework for trade between CARIFORUM countries and the EU, but article 238 provided a framework for trade within the (Caribbean) countries. And that regional preference has not been started.
“The Bahamas has indicated that it would extend that preference to other CARIFORUM states, but I think as business people in here, as we move towards integration, it’s really important that we press our governments to implement article 238 of that trade agreement so the same preferences that we apply to the European Union, we also apply to each other,” he added.
Deputy Chairman of the Bahamas Trade Commission, Barry Griffin, also called for greater collaboration among regional businesses.
“Those of us throughout government and the private sector are taking up that clarion call to do what is necessary to facilitate this trade and business,” said Griffin, adding “with the advent of the COVID pandemic, the increasing cost of oil and gas, transportation and logistics, we all now see that this must be the way forward for small, vulnerable economies in an uncertain trading environment.
“We must trade closer to home and become less reliant on the outside world. We as Caribbean people, now more than ever, must be our brothers peoples and our brothers business partners. Caribbean integration, regional trade, and the promotion of Caribbean business as a whole must be what we base our future prosperity on.”
The JMEA ends its trade mission here on Friday and Bahamas’ Ambassador to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Winston Pinnock, said the Phllip Davis government has initiated a project that would allow companies within and outside the region to establish a presence here and manufacture goods primarily for export to North America and for local consumption
“The government of The Bahamas through the Prime Minister’s Office has initiated the North Abaco project. The North Abaco project is essentially one where the government has decided to invite manufacturers within the region and then take it outside the region to set up manufacturing plants, primarily those companies exporting to the US market.
“It is our view that the policies of the government of The Bahamas are very favorable to encouraging food manufacturing by way of its tax incentives. We did a study and found that in the region, we certainly seem to be the most favorable country to import raw materials inputs and have no restrictions on importing raw materials and being an area that is tax-free, no corporate tax, and the rest,” Pinnok said.
Source-CMC
Caribbean and US trade officials to meet in Guyana
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and United States officials will meet here on Friday to discuss trade and investment issues, the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat has announced.
It said that the ninth meeting of the CARICOM-United States Trade and Investment Council will also discuss agricultural sustainability, food and nutrition security as well as matters pertaining to the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), trade in services, trade facilitation, and good regulatory practices.
“The two sides are expected to review the CBI, the US trade preference programs for the region and explore ways in which to enhance the trade and investment relationship between the United States and CARICOM,” the Secretariat said in a statement.
It said as CARICOM accelerates efforts to achieve the goal of 25 percent reduction in food imports by the year 2025, the discussion on agricultural sustainability and food and nutrition security would highlight the use of biotechnology and other tools to promote climate resilience in agriculture, and CARICOM’s 25 by 2025 initiative.
“On trade facilitation, officials are expected to discuss avenues for streamlined procedures to facilitate exports and the participation of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in international trade.
“CARICOM and US representatives would also examine ways to enhance engagement under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). This agreement rationalizes CARICOM and Unites States’ desire to promote long-term development, expansion, and diversification of trade in products and services,” the statement said.
The one-day meeting will be chaired by Dominica’s ambassador to CARICOM, Felix Gregoire, on behalf of the 15-member regional grouping and by Ambassador Jayme White, the Deputy US Trade Representative on behalf of Washington.
Source-CMC
POACHER FISHING VESSEL INTERCEPTION
Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing is a major threat to TCI fisheries resources undermining national efforts to sustainably use, manage and protect fish stocks and marine ecosystems leading to the loss of both short and long-term social and economic opportunities including food security, livelihoods, exports, and realization of sustainable and inclusive blue economic growth.
On Wednesday, 4th October, 2023, Officers from the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resource Management, during a mobile patrol in the Great Sand Cay and Endymion Rack areas of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) intercepted a small fishing vessel named “JOHAN-I” with 3 Dominican nationals onboard. The vessel was detained and persons arrested and brought into Grand Turk for processing and await criminal charges.
The Department continues to encourage the public/fishers to report any unusual vessels and to be mindful as to colours associated with illegal fishing vessels.
The Planning Department announces intent to consider Rezoning Applications for Enhanced Urban Development
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government is excited to announce its intention to entertain rezoning applications as part of its commitment to fostering enhanced urban development and sustainable growth. This decision comes as a result of recommendations of the National Physical Development Plan (NPDP) and a thorough assessment of the evolving needs and aspirations of our vibrant country.
With a strong focus on creating dynamic and livable spaces, the government is opening the doors for rezoning applications that align with our vision of a well-connected, inclusive, and resilient country. By considering these applications, we aim to strike a balance between preserving the cultural and historical fabric of our neighborhoods while also facilitating innovative projects that can drive economic prosperity.
"We believe that urban development should reflect the diverse interests and aspirations of our citizens”, said Jamell Robinson Minister for Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development. "By entertaining rezoning applications, we are providing an opportunity for creative ideas and sustainable solutions to shape the future of our country ."
The government is committed to a transparent and inclusive process that involves community input and expert analysis. As part of this endeavor, public consultations and engagement sessions will be held to gather feedback from residents, local businesses, and stakeholders. This collaborative approach will ensure that the rezoning decisions reflect the collective aspirations of the country’s inhabitants.
The criteria for evaluating rezoning applications will encompass considerations such as environmental impact, transportation accessibility, infrastructure requirements, and compatibility with existing land use patterns. Each application will be assessed rigorously to ensure that the proposed developments contribute positively to the overall well-being and quality of life of our residents.
The government encourages interested parties, including developers, community organizations, and individuals, to submit their rezoning proposals for review. Only submissions received by the 27th of October 2023 will be considered during this period of review of the NPDP.
Minister of Health attends (CARPHA) 27th Meeting
The Honourable Shaun Malcolm, Minister of Health and Human Services accompanied by Senior Health Officials from within the Ministry of Health, Ms. Renessa Williams, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr. Lynrod Brooks, Director, Health Policy and Planning, Nurse Alrisa Gardiner, Primary Health Care Manager and Mrs. Marah Smith, Head of Secretariat, were among officials from other British Overseas Territories who attended the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) 27th Meeting of the Executive Board, the Council Restricted for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) 45th Executive Committee Meeting and the 60th Directing Council, the 75th Session of The Regional Committee of WHO for The Americas in Washington DC, USA during the period 21st - 29th September 2023.
The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, highlighted priority topics requiring joint action, including the successful implementation of evidence-based standards for Front of Package Warning Labels, agreement on communicable disease cross-border control measures, and improving the collective availability of healthcare workers across the Caribbean.
The 60th Directing Council meeting consisted of Progress updates on key program initiatives undertaken to improve the quality of healthcare as part of PAHO member countries’ efforts to achieve “universal health for all” were also provided along with reports on progress with key technical matters.
The following priority areas have also been targeted so as to better respond to the needs of the population and improve health outcomes. They include but are not limited to the following:
* Information Systems for Health (IS4H)
* Health System Strengthening
* Mental Health
* Primary Health Renewal Strategy
* Human Resources for Health
* International Health Regulations
* Climate Change
The Ministry of Health and Human Services will continue to work diligently to achieve the goals set out in its new National Health Sector Strategic Plan (2023-2025) in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in order to achieve the vision of a healthier nation.
21 year old arrested for the murder in Grand Turk on Youth Day
LUKINSON LEGER, 21 years old of West Road, Grand Turk, was charged on Wednesday 4th October 2023, with the murder of Sevano Wilson Jr., after investigators consulted with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Wilson, also 21, of South School Lane, Grand Turk, was fatally wounded on the evening of September 29th during a celebratory youth day event at Governor’s Beach, Grand Turk.
Following the incident, Police Officers at the scene rushed Wilson to the Cockburn Town Medical Centre where he died while undergoing medical treatment.
The matter will be heard at a date to be determined.
A second male who was arrested in connection with this investigation has since been released on police bail pending further inquiries.